Difference Between Pharynx And Larynx

Pharynx and Larynx are Structures in the neck region of vertebrates. The main difference between these two structures is that Pharynx is a region where food and air come from their respective external openings i.e. Mouth and Nose while the Larynx is a Cartilagenous organ that helps in the production of sound.

Difference Between Pharynx and Larynx

The differences between the pharynx and larynx are as follows:

What is Pharynx?

The pharynx is a muscle-lined passage that connects the nose and mouth to the trachea and esophagus respectively. It is known as the common passage for food and air.

It is divided into three parts:

• Nasopharynx:  Nasopharynx is the topmost region of the pharynx. The nose and auditory tube open into the nasopharynx. Secondary lymphoid tissue called tonsils are also present in the nasopharynx.
• Oropharynx: Oropharynx is the middle part of the pharynx. The oral cavity opens into the oropharynx. The tongue forms the floor of the oropharynx. The palatine tonsils are also present in the oropharynx.
• Laryngopharynx:  The bottommost region of the pharynx where the larynx is present is known as the laryngopharynx. The walls of the laryngopharynx are made up of cartilage.

Functions of Pharynx

The pharynx has several important functions as follows:

• It carries air to the respiratory system.
• It takes food to the digestive system.
• It helps in deglutination means swallowing food
• It maintains pressure in the ears.

What is Larynx?

Larynx is a Cartilagenous organ located on top of the trachea in the Laryngopharynx. It is internally lined with Ciliated Columnar Epithelium. It is made up of four cartilages.

• Thyroid cartilage(1): ​Thyroid cartilage supports the front, upper and lower parts of the Larynx.
• Cricoid cartilage (1): Cricoid cartilage is ring-like and it supports the lower part of the Larynx
• Arytenoid cartilages (2): Arytenoid cartilages are triangular shaped and they support the back part of the Larynx.

Functions of Larynx

Larynx has three main functions in the body

• Breathing
• Preventing food and other particles from getting into the trachea, lungs, and other parts of the respiratory system.
• Production of sound

Conclusion

We can conclude that the pharynx and larynx are distinct structures in the neck region. The pharynx is a common passage for food and air, while the larynx is involved in sound production. Understanding the differences between these structures enhances our knowledge of the neck's anatomy and its various functions.